Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara has paid an emotional tribute to the late senior lawyer Lal Wijenayake, recalling childhood memories, family gatherings and the close bond they shared over the years.
In a heartfelt social media post, Sangakkara addressed the veteran lawyer as “Lal Maama” and expressed gratitude for the kindness and affection he had shown him and his siblings throughout their lives.
“We will miss you deeply Lal Maama. I will always be grateful for you in my life and in my siblings lives,” Sangakkara wrote.
Recalling his childhood in Kandy, Sangakkara said Wijenayake would regularly treat him to chocolate milk and snacks whenever he visited his father’s offices.
He also remembered their annual visits to Champa Stores in Kandy, where Wijenayake would buy him birthday presents.
Sangakkara recalled family meals at popular establishments in Kandy, including Capricorn, Lyon’s Cafe and Flower Song, as well as enjoying godamba roti from Kumara’s roti cart.
Among his memories were lively political discussions at his family home involving Wijenayake, his father and Vijay Kumar.
Sangakkara also recalled a particularly emotional childhood experience when Wijenayake collected him from school and gently informed him of his grandfather’s death.
The former cricket captain described Wijenayake as someone surrounded by books who generously shared his knowledge, ideas and thoughts with others.
He credited the late lawyer with introducing him to the poetry of Omar Khayyam and the Rubaiyat.
Reflecting on their relationship, Sangakkara expressed his appreciation for the many memories they had shared.
“Thank you for sharing your life with ours. Thank you for being you. May you attain Nibbana,” he concluded.
Lal Wijenayake, a veteran lawyer and political figure, was known for his involvement in constitutional reform, democratic rights and legal affairs in Sri Lanka. He was also a member of the National People’s Power (NPP) Executive Committee.
His passing has prompted tributes from political figures, legal professionals and others who knew him personally. (Newswire)